More than 50% of South Auckland babies are hospitalised in their first year of life according to Roger McClay,
Commissioner for Children. He revealed this reprehensible statistic as a reason why Paid Parental Leave should be
introduced without delay.
"Mr McClay's reasoning defies logic," comments Lindsay Mitchell, Campaigner for the Abolition of the DPB. "South
Auckland has the highest number of DPB beneficiaries in New Zealand, not the highest number of working mothers. Mr
McClay claims that Paid Parental Leave will increase bonding, breastfeeding, health and reduce sickness, child abuse and
hospital admissions, but surely DPB beneficiaries are already on paid parental leave - indefinitely. Why then is his
theory not working in South Auckland?"
The fact that over 50% of South Auckland babies are hospitalised in their first year and the highest number of DPB
beneficiaries reside in South Auckland is a clear reason why we need an urgent parliamentary review into the continuing
provision of this benefit.
Lindsay Mitchell
Campaigners for the Abolition of the DPB
Ph/Fx 04 562 7944
e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz